Solberg fastest on spectacular SS 1

Special stage one marked the start of the Rally Mexico, and what a spectacular start it was. Huge crowds descended to the Guanajuato to see the ceremonial start and the first timed test of the rally.

Thanks to organisers efforts we were able to enjoy live TV stream from Mexico, and with the sounds of World Rally Radio it was a complete package. Hopefully you joined the stream as well and experienced the sounds of tens of thousands of spectators, making even the S2000 rally cars sound silent and tame.

Short 1.05 kilometer stage went to Petter Solberg, who was faster than Sebastien Loeb by 4 tenths. Tiny gaps continue toward lower positions as well – Mads Ostberg took third with additional 2 tenths behind Loeb, and equally behind him in fourth spot lies Mikko Hirvonen.

“This is amazing, this is how rally should start. For tomorrow we will see. I will go a bit more cautious at start and see when we can push”, said stage winner Solberg.

Proper action begins tomorrow with over 140 kilometers of special stages, but as some of the drivers experienced, you can get close to messing it up even on a one kilometer test. We’re looking at you, Mr. Block. Picture above was taken by Mr. Hoonigan himself as he and Alex Gelsomino were getting ready to start SS 1.

Special stage 1

1. Petter Solberg 53.7
2. Sebastien Loeb 54.1
3. Mads Ostberg 54.3
4. Mikko Hirvonen 54.5
5. Jari-Matti Latvala 54.7
6. Ott Tanak 54.7
7. Chris Atkinson 55.2
8. Armindo Araujo 55.4
9. Nasser Al-Attiyah 55.6
10. Thierry Neuville 55.6